OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
1 Matt Ryan, Boston College
2 Brian Brohm, Louisville
3 Chad Henne, Michigan
4 Joe Flacco, Delaware
5 Andre Woodson, Kentucky
6 John David Booty, USC
7 Josh Johnson, San Diego
8 Erik Ainge, Tennessee
9 Dennis Dixon, Oregon
10 Kevin O’Connell, San Diego State
11 Colt Brennan, Hawaii
12 Matt Flynn, LSU
13 Ricky Santos, New Hampshire
14 Tyler Donovan, Wisconsin
15 Paul Smith, Tulsa
16 Sam Keller, Nebraska
17 Alex Brink, Washington State
18 Anthony Morelli, Penn State
19 Brandon Cox, Auburn
20 Bernard Morris, Marshall
21 Adam Talfrais, San Jose State
22 T.C. Ostrander, Stanford
23 Kyle Wright, Miami
24 Blake Mitchell, South Carolina
25 Taylor Tharp, Boise State
Running Backs
1 Darren McFadden, Arkansas*
2 Jonathan Stewert, Oregon*
3 Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois*
4 Felix Jones, Arkansas*
5 Jamaal Charles, Texas*
6 Chris Johnson, East Carolina
7 Ray Rice, Rutgers*
8 Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech
9 Kevin Smith, Central Florida*
10 Matt Forte, Tulane
11 Steve Slaton West Virginia*
12 Mike Hart, Michigan
13 Dantrell Savage, Oklahoma State
14 Cory Boyd, South Carolina
15 Chauncey Washington, USC
16 Allen Patrick, Oklahoma
17 Xavier Omon, Northwest Missouri State
18 Justin Forsett, California
19 Ryan Torain, Arizona State
20 Tony Temple, Missouri
21 BenJarvis Green-Ellis, Mississippi
22 Rafeal Little, Kentucky
23 Andre Callender, Boston College
24 Omar Cuff, Deleware
25 Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State
26 Thomas Brown, Georgia
27 Keon Lattimore, Maryland
28 Marcus Thomas, Texas-El Paso
29 Amir Pinnix, Minnesota
30 Louis Rankin, Washington (KR)
31 Calvin McRae, Ohio
32 Jalen Parmele, Toledo
33 Calvin Dawson, Louisiana-Monroe
34 Chad Simpson, Morgan State
35 Reggie Campbell, Navy (KR)
Wide Receivers
1 Devin Thomas, Michigan State*
2 DeSean Jackson, California*
3 Limas Sweed, Texas
4 James Hardy, Indiana*
5 Mario Manningham, Michigan*
6 Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma*
7 Early Doucet, LSU
8 Jordy Nelson, Kansas State
9 Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech
10 Harry Douglas, Louisville
11 Lavelle Hawkins, California
12 Andre Caldwell, Florida
13 Dexter Jackson, Appalacian State (KR)
14 Adarius Bowman, Oklahoma State
15 Earl Bennett Vanderbilt
16 Adrian Arrington, Michigan*
17 Donnie Avery, Houston
18 Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina
19 Davone Bess, Hawaii*
20 D.J. Hall, Alabama
21 Keenan Burton, Kentucky
22 Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii*
23 Marcus Smith, New Mexico
24 Steve Johnson, Kentucky
25 William Franklin, Missouri
26 Dorien Bryant, Purdue
27 Kevin Robinson, Utah State (KR)
28 Josh Morgan, Virginia Tech
29 Robert Jordan, California
30 Pierre Garcon, Mount Union
31 Darius Reynaud, West Virginia
32 Arman Shields, Richmond
33 Taj Smith, Syracuse
34 Jabari Arthur, Akron
35 Mario Urrutia, Louisville*
36 Jason Rivers, Hawaii
37 Justin Harper, Virginia Tech
38 Marcus Monk, Arkansas
39 Brandon Breazell, UCLA
40 Danny Amendola, Texas Tech
41 Rudy Burgess, Arizona State
42 Maurice Purify, Nebraska
43 Marcus Henry, Kansas
44 Brennan Marion, Tulsa
45 Mark Bradford, Stanford
46 Todd Blythe, Iowa State
47 Anthony Alridge, Houston (KR)
48 Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest
49 Darrell Blackman, N.C. State (KR)
50 Brian Paysinger, Oregon
Tight Ends
1 Martin Rucker, Missouri
2 Fred Davis, USC
3 Dustin Keller, Purdue
4 John Carlson, Notre Dame
5 Martellus Bennett, Texas A&M*
6 Kellen Davis, Michigan State
7 Jermichael Finley, Texas*
8 Brad Cottam, Tennessee
9 Jacob Tamme, Kentucky
10 Tom Santi, Virginia
11 Darrell Strong, Pitt
12 Joey Haynos, Maryland
13 Derek Fine, Kansas
14 Joe John Finley, Oklahoma
15 Adam Bishop, Nevada
16 Kolo Kapanui, West Texas A&M
17 Gary Barnidge, Louisville
18 Evan Moore, Stanford
19 Jonathan Stupar, Virginia
20 Cole Bennett, Auburn
Tackles
1 Jake Long, Michigan
2 Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
3 Ryan Clady, Boise State*
4 Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh
5 Gosder Cherilus, Boston College
6 Sam Baker, USC
7 Carl Nicks, Nebraska (OG)
8 Heath Benedict, Newberry (OG)
9 Oniel Cousins, UTEP (OG)
10 Barry Richardson, Clemson
11 Anthony Collins, Kansas (OG)
12 Tony Hills, Texas
13 Duane Brown, Virginia Tech (OG)
14 John Greco, Toledo
15 Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers (OG)
16 Geoff Schwartz, Oregon
17 King Dunlap, Auburn
18 Kirk Barton, Ohuio State
19 Franklin Dunbar, Middle Tennessee St.*
20 Pedro Sosa, Rutgers
21 Demetrius Bell, Northwestern State
22 Tyler Polumbus, Colorado
23 Bobby Byrd, Washington State
24 Brandon Keith, Northern Iowa
25 Will Robinson, San Diego State
26 David Hale, Weber State
27 Akim Millington, Illinois
28 Breno Giacomini, Louisville
29 Corey Clark, Texas A&M
30 Brian Stampler, Vanderbilt
Guards
1 Branden Albert, Virginia
2 Roy Schuening, Oregon State
3 Chilo Rachal, USC
4 Eric Young, Tennessee
5 Robert Felton, Arkansas
6 Donald Thomas, Connecticut
7 Andrew Crummey, Maryland
8 Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh
9 Drew Radovich, USC
10 Mackenzy Bernadesu, Bentley College
11 Shannon Tevaga, UCLA
12 Adam Kraus, Michigan
13 Chad Reinhart, Northern Iowa
14 Chris McDuffie, Clemson
15 Martin O'Donnell, Illinois
16 Kirk Elder, Texas A&M
17 Mike Fladell, Fresno State
18 Jordan Grimes, Purdue
19 Shawn Murphy, Utah State
20 Mike Gibson, California
21 Devin Clark, New Mexico
22 James Blair, Western Michigan
23 Hercules Satele, Hawaii
24 Andrew Bain, Miami
25 Matt Lindner, TCU
Centers
1 Mike Pollak, Arizona State
2 Adam Speiker, Missouri
3 Steve Justice, Wake Forest
4 John Sullivan, Notre Dame
5 Kory Lichtensteiger, Bowling Green
6 Doug Legursky, Marshall
7 Cody Wallace, Texas A&M
8 Matt Spanos, USC
9 Drew Miller, Florida
10 Jamey Richard, Buffalo
11 Dallas Griffin, Texas
12 Ryan Wendell, Fresno State
13 Velasco Fernando, Georgia
14 Eric Scott, Kentucky
15 Jordan Lipsey, Virginia
DEFENSE
Defensive Ends
1 Chris Long, Virginia
2 Vernon Gholston, Ohio State*
3 Phillip Merling, Clemson*
4 Derrick Harvey, Florida*
5 Lawrence Jackson, USC
6 Calais Campbell, Miami*
7 Kendall Langford, Hampton
8 Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech
9 Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech
10 Cliff Avril, Purdue
11 Jason Jones, Eastern Michigan
12 Tommy Blake, TCU
13 Wallace Gilberry, Alabama
14 Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State
15 Johnny Dingle, West Virginia
16 Kenny Iwebema, Iowa
17 Chris Harrington, Texas A&M
18 Jeremy Thompson, Wake Forest
19 Louis Holmes, Arizona
20 Eric Foster, Rutgers
21 Marcus Dixon, Hampton
22 Jeremy Geathers, UNLV*
23 Chase Ortiz, TCU
24 Joe Clermond, Pitt
25 Dorian Smith, Oregon State
26 Adam Oliver, Georgia Tech
27 Eric Bakhtiari, Washington
28 Greyson Gunheim, Washington State
29 Xavier Mitchell, Tennessee
30 Chris McKillop, Pitt
Defensive Tackles
1 Sedrick Ellis, USC
2 Glenn Dorsey, LSU
3 Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina
4 Dre Moore, Maryland
5 Trevor Laws, Notre Dame
6 Pat Sims, Auburn*
7 DeMario Pressley, N.C. State
8 Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa State
9 Marcus Harrison, Arkansas
10 Letroy Guion, Florida State*
11 Lionel Dotson, Arizona
12 James McClinton, Kansas
13 Red Bryant, Texas A&M
14 Frank Okam, Texas
15 Andre Fluellen, Florida State
16 Nick Hayden, Wisconsin
17 Jason Shirley, Fresno State
18 Keilen ****s, West Virginia
19 Brigham Hartwell, UCLA
20 Carlton Powell, Virginia Tech
21 Derek Lokey, Texas
22 Chris Norwell, Illinois
23 Barry Booker, Virginia Tech
24 Kevin Brown, UCLA
25 Alphonso Morgan, Kansas State*
Outside Linebackers
1 Keith Rivers, USC
2 Dan Connor, Penn State
3 Erin Henderson, Maryland*
4 Quentin Groves, Auburn
5 Shawn Crable, Michigan
6 Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech
7 Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky (S)
8 Jordon Dizon, Colorado
9 Bruce Davis, UCLA
10 Geno Hayes, Florida State
11 Ali Highsmith, LSU
12 Marcus Howard, Georgia
13 Titus Brown, Mississippi State
14 Ezra Butler, Nevada
15 Curtis Gatewood, Vanderbilt
16 Steve Octavien, Nebraska
17 Larry Grant, Ohio State
18 Thomas Williams, USC
19 Stanford Keglar, Purdue
20 Alvin Bowen, Iowa State
21 Angelo Craig, Cincinnati
22 Bo Ruud, Nebraska
23 Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech
24 LaMar Myles, Louisville
25 Nick Watkins, Clemson
26 Malik Jackson, Louisville
27 Bryan Smith, McNeese State
28 Robert James, Arizona State
29 Durell Mapp, North Carolina
30 Kroy Biermann, Montana
31 Mike Humpal, Iowa
32 Curtis Johnson, Clark Atlanta
33 David Vobora, Idaho
34 Bryan Kehl, BYU
35 Jeremy Jones, UTEP
Inside Linebackers
1 Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma*
2 Philip Wheeler, Georiga Tech
3 Jonathan Goff, Vanderbilt
4 Jerod Mayo, Tennessee
5 Spencer Larsen, Arizona
6 Jolonn Dunbar, Boston College
7 Beau Bell, UNLV
8 Tavares Gooden, Miami
9 Vince Hall, Virginia Tech
10 Jeremy Leman, Illinois
11 Ben Moffitt, South Florida
12 Joe Mays, North Dakota State
13 Jameel McClain, Syracuse
14 Cory McKeon, Nebraska
15 Josh Johnson, Marshall
16 Steve Allen, West Texas A&M
17 Chris Graham, Michigan
18 Red Keith, Central Michigan
19 Nelson Coleman, Tulsa
20 Kaleb Thornhill, Michigan State
Cornerbacks
1 Antoine Cason, Arizona
2 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
3 Mike Jenkins, South Florida
4 Leodis McKelvin, Troy
5 Aqib Talib, Kansas*
6 Reggie Smith, Oklahoma*
7 Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech*
8 Patrick Lee, Auburn
9 Chevis Jackson, LSU
10 Charles Godfrey, Iowa
11 Tracy Porter, Indiana
12 Justin King, Penn State*
13 Jack Williams, Kent State
14 Terrell Thomas, USC
15 Jack Ikegwuonu, Wisconsin*
16 Orlando Scandrick, Boise State
17 DeJuan Tribble, Boston College
18 Zach Bowman, Nebraska
19 Dwight Lowry, San Jose State
20 Trae Williams, South Florida
21 Jonathan Wilhite, Auburn
22 Terrence Wheatley, Colorado
23 Wilrey Fontenot, Arizona
24 Marcus Walker, Oklahoma
25 Jonathan Zenon, LSU
26 Glenn Sharpe, Miami
27 Tyvon Branch, Connecticut
28 Darnell Terrell, Missouri
29 Roshaun Fellows, Tennessee
30 Justin Tryon, Arizona State
31 Nigel Norris Toledo
32 Antwaun Molden, Eastern Kentucky
33 Justin McKinney, Kansas State
34 Matterral Richardson, Arkansas
35 Brandon Sumrall, Southern Miss.
Free Safeties
1 Kenny Phillips, Miami*
2 DaJuan Morgan, N.C. State*
3 Thomas DeCoud, California
4 Simeion Castille, Alabama
5 Marcus Griffin, Texas
6 David Roach, TCU
7 Michael Grant, Arkansas
8 D.J. Parker, Virginia Tech
9 Dennis Keyes, UCLA
10 Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee
11 Quentin Demps, UTEP
12 Nehemiah Warrick, Michigan State
13 Ryan Mundy, West Virginia
14 Husain Abdullah, Washington State
15 Dominique Barber, Minnesota
16 Joe Fields, Syracuse
17 Bobbie Williams, Bethune-Cookman
18 Kelin Johnson, Georgia
19 Darian Williams, Oklahoma
20 Rodger Williams, Florida State
Strong Safeties
1 Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame
2 Jamie Silva, Boston College
3 Josh Barrett, Arizona State
4 Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State
5 D.J. Wolfe, Oklahoma
6 Jamar Adams, Michigan
7 Craig Steltz, LSU
8 Brian Bonner, TCU
9 Caleb Campbell, Army
10 Chris Horton, UCLA
11 Eric Wicks, West Virginia
12 Tony Joiner , Florida
SPECIALISTS
Kick/Punt Returners
1 DeSean Jackson, California WR)
2 Darren McFadden, Arkansas (HB)
3 Chris Johnson, East Carolina (HB)
4 Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech (WR)
5 Felix Jones, Arkansas (HB)
6 Dexter Jackson, Appalacian State (WR)
7 Kevin Robinson, Utah State (WR)
8 Donnie Avery, Houston (WR)
9 Brian Bonner, TCU
10 Devin Thomas, Michigan State (WR)
11 Justin King, Penn State (CB)
12 Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (HB)
13 Leodis McKelvin, Troy (CB)
14 Dorian Bryant, Purdue (WR)
15 Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (S)
16 Dom Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State (CB)
17 Reggie Campbell, Navy (RB)
18 Lavelle Hawkins, California (WR)
19 Kenneth Moore, Wake Forest (WR)
20 Anthony Alridge, Houston (HB)
21 Darrell Blackman, N.C. State (WR)
22 Dwight Lowry, San Jose State (CB)
23 Pierre Garcon, Mount Union
24 Aqib Talib, Kansas (CB)
25 DeJuan Tribble, Boston College
26 Orlando Scandrick, Boise State (CB)
27 Reggie Smith, Oklahoma (CB)
28 Louis Rankin, Washington (HB)
29 Antoine Cason, Arizona (CB)
30 Tyvon Branch, Connecticut (CB)
31 Darius Reynaud, West Virginia (WR)
32 Justin Forsett, California (HB)
33 Danny Woodhead, Chadron State (HB)
34 Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State (WR)
35 Jeremy Trimble, Army (WR)
36 Mike Jenkins, South Florida (CB)
37 Brandon Breazell, UCLA (WR)
38 Dantrell Savage, Oklahoma State (HB)
39 Rudy Burrgess, Arizona State (WR)
40 Brennan Marion, Tulsa (WR)
Punters
1 Durant Brooks, Georgia Tech
2 Mike Drafgosavich, North Dakota St.
3 Andrew Larsen, California
4 Tim Reyer, Kansas State
5 Owen Tolson, Army
6 Pat McAfee, West Virginia
Kickers
1 Brandon Coutu, Georgia
2 Alexis Serna, Oregon State
3 Art Carmody, Louisville
4 Taylor Mehlhaff, Wisconsin
5 Jeremy Ito, Rutgers
6 Shane Longest, St. Xavier
MOCK DRAFT
1. Miami Dolphins - Sedrick Ellis, NT, Southern California
Ellis seems to make the most sense to me. Nose tackles are hard to come by and Ellis certainly looks the part. He was dominant at the Senior Bowl and backed up that performance at the combine. He comes from a winnning program at USC and is a competitor. Chris Long or Vernon Gholston don't make sense to me because of the money they would have tied up at the LB position with Jason Taylor and Joey Porter already having big contracts. I'm also unsure how all three would get on the field at the same time. I believe the Matt Ryan rumors are just that, rumors and a possible ploy to get the Atlanta Falcons to try to move up.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
There are several direction the Rams could go here. Jake Long showed he's the real deal at the combine and the Rams have a real need at LT with Orlando Pace's HOF career coming to an end. The Rams have invested enough high picks along the DL to make me rule out Glenn Dorsey, Chris Long, and Vernon Gholston. There could be a slim chance they go with Matt Ryan here given the fact they were considering Jay Cutler two years ago. Marc Bulger is good enough and young enough that his job is secure for the near future.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
This is getting closer and closer to being a lock. You can't win in the NFL without a viable starter a QB and the closet is bare for the Falcons. Arthur Blank came right out and said a QB would be the pick, and there's not much argument Ryan is this years top QB. Ryan has been quoted saying Atlanta is a great city and Blank is a good owner. Sure he's going to lobby to be a top 5 pick, I'll be surprised if Ryan isn't their starter next year. I'm sure Darren McFadden will get a look and provided he has a clean bill of health Glenn Dorsey will too. If the Rams pass on Jake Long, things could get interesting here. I could see the Raiders and Chiefs getting in a bidding war to move up.
4. Oakland Raiders - Darren McFadden, HB, Arkansas
This just seems like an Al Davis type pick. Davis loves speed, and after McFadden's 4.33 40 at the combine McFadden could be a Raider. This might not be the most sensible pick for the Raiders, but after spending last years first pick on JaMarcus Russell the Raiders need to begin building around him. The closet will be full at the RB position and I'm not sure why NFLN calls RB the Raiders biggest need, but this seems a very likely pick. I'm sure Chris Long will get a very long look here, but defense isn't the problem in Oakland.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Glenn Dorsey, DT, Louisiana State
It's going to be interesting how the medical reports play out for Dorsey, but if everything checks out he's too good for the Chiefs to pass on. Not the biggest need the Chiefs have, but that's not what it's all about. It's about getting better players. Dorsey could help tremendously in the Chiefs attempt to play some defense and stop the run. Line him up next to Jared Allen, and opposing offensive coordinators will have nightmares. If Dorsey doesn't check out medically, don't be surprised to see the Chiefs reach for a tackle here and take Ryan Clady.
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, OLB, Ohio State
After flipping a coin here to choose between Vernon Gholston and Chris Long, I think Gholston gets the nod because he might be a slightly better OLB prospect and has had experience standing up. If the first 5 picks play out like I have here, I couldn't immagine the Jets taking anyone other than Gholston or Long. If Darren McFadden is still on the board here this pick could get interesting. Not only would McFadden entice the Jets, this could be where teams begin to consider moving up to take McFadden.
7. New England Patriots - Chris Long, OLB/DE
Long really seems like a Patriots type of player to me. First and foremost he's a football player. With the Patriots defensive scheme and philosophies they would have several options on how to best utilize his talents. We might even see him catching touchdown passes for the Patriots al la Mike Vrabel. If Vernon Gholston and Long are both somehow still on the board, they may have the same dilema as the Jets. If that's the case, Long seems a better fit to me for what the Patriots look for.
8. Baltimore Ravens - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
After a standout Senior Bowl followed by a very impressive combine, Rodgers-Cromartie has seen his stock rise all the way to the top 10. Perhaps no player in this class has as much up side as Rodgers-Cromartie. The Ravens secondary was the weak link of a generally solid unit. Cromartie can fill an immediate need at nickleback while he waits in the wings to become a starter.
9. Cincinnati Bengals - Keith Rivers, OLB/ILB, Southern California
Best case scenario for the Bengals in my opinion. Last year they were playing defensive linemen at linebacker and by seasons end the cupboard was bare at the LB position. The Bengals have struggled to stop the run and Rivers could be a move in the right direction. I also think with all the drama the Bengals have had over the last couple years, I think it's important they get players with a winning, competitive attitude. Rivers coming from USC fits that bill in addition to fitting a need. Rivers is also worth every bit of a top 10 pick, and given the right situation one of my early favorites to be next years defensive ROY.
10. New Orleans Saints - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
Not the most exciting or popular pick here, but a sensible one non the less. The Saints have some issues along the offensive line that includes skill and depth. Add to that the inability for the Saints to establish a running game, Williams makes good sense to me. This could be the type of pick that could help the '06 pick of Reggie Bush to begin to pay dividends. Cornerback might be the most glaring need, but it's also a very deep position in this years draft class. Local product Chevis Jackson could be a very good 2nd round pick for them.
11. Buffalo Bills - Dan Connor, OLB/ILB, Penn State
Maybe a slight reach here, but the Bills have shown they aren't affraid to reach a bit. They might be best served to try to deal down here, and I'm sure they'll expore their option. They fell in love with Paul Posluszny last year and nearly took him in the first, so I'm sure they love Connor as well. They need an OLB, and why not reunite Connor with Posluszny and solidify the LB positon for years to come? Receiver might be the biggest need the Bills have, but the class is deep and nobody stands out enough to warrent a pick this high.
12. Denver Broncos - Rashard Mendenhall, HB, Illinois
Not very characteristic for the Broncos to spend a first on a runningback, but immagine the possibilities with Mendenhall in that offense. The Broncos have had a lot of success running the ball, but have lacked a game-breaker at the position. This will no doubt be an interesting pick. The Broncos like to wheel and deal on draft day and very likely will attempt to do. Kenny Phillips, Kentwan Balmer, a corner, or Ryan Clady (if still on the board) should all get some consideration here. This also could be a spot where we see the first receiver taken, although like I stated with the Bills pick I'm not sure the value matches the slot.
13. Carolina Panthers - Kenny Phillips, S, Miami
Good pick here for the Panthers. Safety is a huge need, and Phillips is a boom or bust prospect with a very high ceiling. Phillips can easily step in and start immediatly and will help greatly in solidifying the secondary. An offensive tackle should also get a lot of consideration here as well. If Ryan Clady is still on the board, this could be a tough call for the Panthers.
14. Chicago Bears - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I know this pick will get some arguments here. Brohm may be a slight reach here, but only by a little in my opinion. I fully expect the Bears to try to deal down here, but for now I'm giving them Brohm. The Bears just signed Rex Grossman to a one year deal and I think that says a lot. The Bears have lacked a viable starter at QB for a long time now and I thinks it's time for change. Many feel they may try to grab a guy like Chad Henne in the 2nd or possibly get Brohm in the 2nd. I feel the need at QB is too big for them to gamble on who may or may not be available in the 2nd. If they are able to move down and pick up another 2nd round pick maybe they do gamble. If they are forced to make a selection at #14, I feel Brohm should and will be the pick. Brohm could be a steal here. His production fell off his senior year, but he was also forced to learn a new system.
15. Detroit Lions - Jonathan Stewart, HB, Oregon
I think Stewart will be too good to pass on here. I personally give Stewart a top 10 grade and rank him as my #2 back. His size, speed, and vision all add up to what I expect to be a great NFL running back. Cornerback is the bigger need, but Stewart is a better value. Both cornerback and runningback are very deep positions, but I feel the RB position drops off after McFadden, Stewart, and Mendenhall. A guy like cornerback Patrick Lee could be available in the 2nd round.
16. Arizona Cardinals - Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona
With the 3 top RB's gone, a cornerback seems to be logical here. Many will argue Cason isn't worth this pick, and I don't understand why. As a technician I put Cason at the head of the class. He's silky smooth in man coverage and possesses great ball skills. Again, this will come down to team preference of which CB to take. I feel they couldn't go wrong with the local guy in Cason. This pick should be popular with the fans which isn't really a consideration, but a definite plus. Chris Williams, Kentwan Balmer, another CB should all get a close look by the Cardinals here.
17. Minnesota Vikings - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
Defensive end was already a need prior to the unfortunate happenings with Keneche Udeze, so now it's become a glaring need. The Vikings would get a player in Harvey who knows how to get after the quarterback. This has been a big area of need for the Vikings. This could be a wild card pick here, who knows what to expect from the Vikings on draft day. Offensive tackle and cornerback could be a posible pick here as well as a receiver.
18. Houston Texans - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Many compare McKelvin to Texans cornerback and former first round pick Dunta Robinson, so why not fill a need and get a guy who's a good fit. McKelvin could be a steal if he's still on the board, many feel he's a top 10 pick. McKelvin paired with Robinson could be one of the league's top CB tandems for year to come. McKelvin's biggest knock is his ability to catch the ball, but he get's his hands on the ball as much as anybody. Felix Jones will also be a guy to keep an eye on here, but I'm not sure he's separated himself enough to persuade the Texans to take a back here instead of a little later on. Their absence of a 2nd round pick makes them suspect to attempt dealing down.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Devin Thomas, WR.KR, Michigan State
Receiver is a place the Eagles need some help, and Thomas is the type of playmaker they could really use. In addition to bolstering the receiving core, Thomas also fills a need as a return guy as well. I've come to realize though, this pick will totally depend on who Andy Reid has a "man-crush" on this year. The Eagles have made it a habit to overdraft guys, but that wouldn't be the case with Jackson. Based on my board Jackson lines up perfectly at the 19th pick. History suggests the Eagles may try to deal down here as well. Maybe Andy Reid like Chad Henne??
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, California
The Buccaneers offense is lacking a game-breaker, and Jackson is just that. Jackson would be a contrast to the type of receivers the Bucs already have, and I see that as a plus. In my estimate, Jackson isn’t ready to be a #1 receiver just yet, but he’s a guy who the O.C. could have some fun with figuring out how to get the ball in his hands. Jackson is also arguably this years top KR.PR.
21. Washington Redskins - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Redskins have a group of smurfs at the WR position, and Sweed is anything but a smurf. The pick of Sweed here should go a long way in aiding the development of former first round pick Jason Campbell. This could also be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Redskins who have struggled in the red zone to make the step to be legitimate contenders. They could very well choose to address the DL here with Calais Campbell or Derrick Harvey. Kentwan Balmer if available should also get a look. I also think cornerback could be a strong possibility as well.
22. Dallas Cowboys - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
It's beginning to look like Rodgers-Cromartie may very well be long gone by this pick, but if not I'd call him a lock. After his performance at the Senior Bowl followed by the combine, he may be the most intriguing prospect in this class and probably has the highest ceiling. Jerry Jones loves speed, and the Cowboys have room for improvement in the secondary. Rodgers-Cromartie could be long gone though, he might end up a top 10 pick.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Branden Albert, OG/OT, Virginia
The Steelers pick could be a tough one to figure out. They have indicated they would go with the BPA here and only a QB or TE could be ruled out with the 23rd pick. The Steelers have always hung their hat on a solid OL. Last season the OL was anything but solid. The need along the offensive line might be too big for the Steelers to pass on Albert here, especially with Limas Sweed and Devin Thomas off the board. Albert would suit the Steelers need and philosophies well because he’s versatile enough to play either OT or OG. This could be a big plus for the Steelers who may need to start the season with a mix matched offensive line. A wild card pick here could be Kentwan Balmer.
24. Tennessee Titans - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
For the Titans to begin seeing big dividends for their #3 overall selection of Vince Young a couple years ago, the Titans will need to add some talent around him. The Titans took a step in the right direction with the free agent signing of tight end Alge Crumpler. Now the Titans need to add some weapons at the receiver position. Hardy is an intriguing prospect with a lot of upside. Hardy’s combination of size and speed could create match-up problems for opposing defenses, especially in the red zone.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Felix Jones, HB, Arkansas
The Seahawks are one of the tougher teams to forecast, but there's no question they need to get the running game back to where it once was. Is Shaun Alexander washed up? I don't know that answer, but I do know he has a lot of miles on him. Felix Jones could be the perfect contrast to Alexander's running style. Tight end can't be ruled out here either.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
The Jags pick is a little tough to pin point. With an already solid team in place, I look for the Jags to go BPA that fit’s a need. With Merling still on the board here, the Jags get a very good value, and improve an area of need at the DE position. In addition to the need, Merling seems like a good fit for Jack Del Rio’s philosophies and defensive scheme. The Jags could also look to improve the OL or LB position here as well.
27. San Diego Chargers - Reggie Smith, S/CB, Oklahoma
There are so many routes the Chargers could take here. Reggie Smith is a versatile guy who could help the Chargers secondary in so many ways. A unit that used to be the weak link would all of the sudden be a strong point. I could also see them going with Smith's teamate from Oklahoma here and select ILB Curtis Lofton. I also wouldn't rule out Dre Moore who's versatility would greatly help their DL. Moore could be plugged in at DE or NT which are both areas of need and a harder area to fill later on in the draft.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
With Otah’s stock sliding a little bit, the Cowboys could have a real steal here. The Cowboys don’t have a lot of holes or immediate needs, but the age and depth at the OT position makes Otah a sensible pick here. The Cowboys could also choose to take a RB here. In state prospect Jamaal Charles is a guy to keep an eye on. Chances are, the Cowboys will be making some type of move, and may not be selecting from this spot on draft day.
29. San Francisco 49ers - Kentwan Balmer, DE, North Carolina
Balmer is a terrific fit to play DE in a 3-4. The 49ers are still trying to add all the pieces and complete the transformation to a 3-4. There are others directions the niners could choose, but the value they get with Balmer might be to great to pass on. Another direction here could be a receiver, or a pass rush specialist. Quentin Groves is a guy to keep an eye on here.
30. Green Bay Packers - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
After running well at the combine, talib might not be an option here. If he is still available, the packers will be all over him. His ability to play press coverage makes him a good fit for the Packers. With all of the talented corners in this class, the Packers should have no problem landing a good one here if they so choose that route. Don't rule out Shawn Crable or Quentin Groves here. The Packers may also choose to beef up the OL here as well. Branden Albert could be a great pick if all the top corners are taken.
31. New York Giants - Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech
There’s a lot of solid options here for the Giants. The Giants have an immediate need in the secondary both at the safety and CB position. With Flowers, they get a physical corner and a guy who could line up opposite last years top pick Aaron Ross for years to come. The Giants could also elect to address the safety position here which is a little bigger need. DaJuan Morgan would fill the need at safety, but arguably wouldn’t match the value of Flowers. Offensive line help can’t be ruled out here either. The Giants would do well to add a versatile guy like Sam Baker to add depth and flexibility and a little bit of youth.
Best Available
Calais Campbell, DE, Miami
Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma
Erin Henderson, OLB/ILB, Maryland
Dre Moore, DT/DE, Maryland
Sam Baker, OT/OG, Southern California
Shawn Crable, OLB/DE, Michigan
Quentin Groves, OLB/DE, Auburn
Jamaal Charles, HB, Texas
Pat Sims, DT/DE, Auburn
Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan
Martin Rucker, TE, Missouri
Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College
Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
Lawrence Jackson, DE/OLB, Southern California
Fred Davis, TE, Southern California
Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
DaJuan Morgan, S, N.C. State
Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Chris Johnson, HB/KR, East Carolina
Phillip Wheeler, OLB/ILB, Georgia Tech
Early Doucet, WR, Louisiana State
Chevis Jackson, CB, Louisiana State
Ray Rice, HB, Rutgers
Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State
Carl Nicks, OT/OG, Nebraska
Charles Godfrey, CB/S, Iowa
Joe Flacco, QB, Deleware
John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Thomas DeCoud, S, California
Jerod Mayo, ILB, Tennessee
Ahtyba Rubin, DT, Iowa State
Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
Darnik44's 2008 NFL Draft Preview (Pos. Rankings/Big Board/Mock Draft)
Darnik44's 2008 NFL Draft Preview (Pos. Rankings/Big Board/Mock Draft)
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